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The Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) is a unique Medicaid program that gives the elderly or disabled the ability to manage their own care and make decisions based on their individual needs. Enroll today!

CDPAP Regulations

The CDPAP can be a great option to allow you the comfort of not only staying in your own home, but also choosing your own caregiver. There are several requirements and regulations to follow with the CDPAP, and understanding these rules is important. Take a look at some of the regulations:

You must be a New York resident

You must be enrolled in Medicaid

There needs to be evidence that you need assistance with activities of day-to-day life (such as administering essential medicine or getting around)

You must be eligible for home care

Most of the time, but not always, you as the patient will need to be enrolled in some type of Medicaid Managed Care.

You need to be self-directing, or have someone that can direct your care

Self-Directing

The New York State Department of Health (DOH) states that “a non-self directing consumer lacks the capability to make choices about the activities of daily living, does not understand the implications of these choices, and does not assume responsibility for the results of these choices.”

Patients who experience delusions or disorientation, such as elderly patients with degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, are not considered self-directing. Additionally, patients with limited understandings of what to do in emergency situations, or have tendencies to wander or show unintentional negligence (i.e. leaving gas stoves on) are also non-self directing.

Change in Regulations

As of April 2016, parents of adult children with disabilities can be CDPAP personal assistants. In regards to a Medicaid update, the DOH issued these changes, saying “A parent of an adult child (21 years of age or older) may serve as that adult child’s CDPAP assistant.” The key part to note is that a parent cannot be a caregiver through the CDPAP if their child is under 21.

While these changes have taken effect, spouses are still prohibited from being hired as CDPAP personal assistants. This is largely due to the fact that caretaking falls under cultural and legal responsibilities that come with marriage.

The Medicaid update goes on to say that “Any other adult relative of the CDPAP eligible individual may serve as the individual’s CDPAP assistant.” Your adult grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or other relatives may qualify as a CDPAP caregiver.

Enrolling in the CDPAP and getting a personal assistant can seem like a lengthy and complicated process. This is where LifeCare Advantage comes in. Our team can help simplify and clarify CDPAP application things for you, every step of the way. Contact LifeCare Advantage today to learn more about regulations and ultimately, to get the help you need.